A significant transformation is about to unfold on a crucial roadway connecting the M4 motorway to the historic city of Bath. For a span of two months, this busy route—the A46—will undergo overnight closures as part of an extensive £6 million improvement initiative designed to enhance safety and driving conditions.
From January 18th to March 20th, the A46 will be completely shut off in both directions between the Cold Ashton roundabout and the London Road roundabout. These closures will take place from 8 PM to 6 AM GMT, Monday through Friday. This means that if you're planning to travel during these hours, you will need to make alternative arrangements.
In addition to the full closures, drivers should also be aware that there will be lane restrictions on the three-lane section of the A46 at Charmy Down throughout this period.
According to National Highways, approximately 20,000 vehicles traverse this route daily, underscoring the critical need for these improvements.
So, what exactly will this multi-million-pound investment entail? The upgrades will include a brand-new road surface, enhanced signage, and improved drainage systems to combat flooding issues that have plagued the area. Additionally, new chevron signs will be installed at Hartley Bends to bolster road safety for everyone using this essential thoroughfare.
Sean Walsh, the National Highways Route Manager, emphasized the importance of these enhancements by stating: "More than 20,000 drivers use this route every day—so it's essential we continue to provide the essential maintenance and upgrades needed to make sure journeys remain safe and reliable."
Starting from January 18th, survey work will kick off with drainage improvements taking place at Four Winds Farm, while resurfacing efforts at Hartley Bends are scheduled for later in the year.
For those who rely on this route, signed diversions will be established for both northbound and southbound traffic, so it’s advisable to plan your journeys ahead of time and allow for extra travel time.
What do you think about these planned improvements? Will they significantly enhance your travel experience, or do you foresee potential challenges? We’d love to hear your thoughts! If you have a story idea or want to report something related, feel free to reach out to us. You can follow BBC Bristol on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, or you can send your thoughts via email or WhatsApp.
